Mad About Madison: The City of Four Lakes

If visiting capital cities is on your radar then a trip to Madison, the capital of the state of Wisconsin is suggested.

An extensive network of lakes, parks and bike trails makes this an enticing travel destination. And if you are a travel aficionado with a penchant for national or international historic landmarks, especially UNESCO World Heritage sites, then Madison has you covered.

The natural beauty of the area accompanied by marvelous architecture brings in visitors in all seasons and locals love that complementary combination just as well. There is no mistaking the different architectural styles among Madison’s many landmarks, the most recognizable being the State Capitol. A guided tour here is well worth your while and a weekend visit can include a farmers’ market experience everyone will enjoy. Remember to look up in all rooms inside the Capitol, even the ceilings are works of art.

It is said that more than 40 types of stone from six countries and eight states were used to build this structure and you can easily recognize the dome of the Capitol from a distance as local law prohibits any building from being taller than the dome. The Capitol Square Area is great for lunch on the gardens and walking along the neighborhood is recommended if you’d like to support the local businesses. If you cherish modern architecture and the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, then Madison is home to eight buildings designed by the globally known architect. A trip to Taliesin in Spring Green isn’t too far away and within the city, there is Monona Terrace, which is a lakefront convention center. Enjoy a bike ride, walk or jog along the lake trail to enjoy lovely skyline views.

In fact, the four lakes around Madison is the reason or its City of Four Lakes nickname and all of that water means you can enjoy enjoy sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and standup paddle-boarding. Madison is one of only five platinum-level bike cities in the country so biking enthusiasts can trust they will have a great time riding here. Winter brings on its own share of outdoor activities, of which snowshoeing has seen some substantial interest in the last few years.

Other areas of interest here include Olbrich Botanical Gardens (the holiday lights here are a must-see), Chazen Museum of Art, Henry Vilas Zoo and the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. The city has appeared on several ‘Best Places’ lists for its quality of life and standard of living.

The local food scene is an attraction given the number of James Beard Award-winning spots. One thing you simply cannot miss are the cheese curds. Either in their original ‘squeaky clean’ version or fried and dipped avatar, they appear in menus everywhere. Cheese is the official state dairy product so no matter where you savor or purchase some, you can midwest destination rest assured it’s some of the best in the country. For local craft beers, tour and taste at Wisconsin Brewing Company which also has a beautiful outdoor area for summer concerts and such.

Fromagination is an artisanal cheese store with unique local and international finds.

Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace brings southwestern grub in a festive setting and for your chocolate fix, you must stop by Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier, named one of the top ten chocolate shops in North America. There is no way you are leaving here empty handed. Brandy Old Fashioned is considered the state’s official drink so if happen upon the opportunity to indulge on some, don’t let anyone talk you out of it.

There is, of course, The House on the Rock, which is a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction beyond anything you’d expect. Allow yourself the better part of the day when you visit here. It is almost a maze of sorts with a series of rooms or designed spaces, one more intriguing than the other. Some of these include nautical exhibits, musical machines, ‘the world’s largest indoor carousel’, an infinity room and more. Children and adults alike will find their time here entertaining.

When it comes to stay options, you can take your pick from both hotels and inns. Some of the best accommodations in the area include Hotel Indigo, The Edgewater, Governors Mansion Inn and Café, Mansion Hill Inn, and Speckled Hen Inn.

(Images: Ruksana Hussain)

Most visitors to Madison revel in the outdoors, especially when traveling in from spaces offering lesser greenery in Monona Terrace views (Images: Ruksana Hussain) the heart of the city. After all, Madison is one of the greenest cities in America. If you are spellbound by the gorgeous lakes, serene trails and pristine scenery all around, you aren’t alone. Simply visit one of the park areas here and you will never want to leave!

Insider tip: Try a local bike tour or guided walk to experience the outdoors and the city from a different vantage point.m

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